By the time WMF began its conservation of the staircase in 1966, the structure’s central core was on the verge of collapse, and the white Istrian stone used for its colonnade had become blackened from exposure to airborne sulfates. WMF consolidated the central supporting column and repaired damaged treads, then inserted steel rods into the staircase to anchor the steps. (...)
By the time WMF began its conservation of the staircase in 1966, the structure’s central core was on the verge of collapse, and the white Istrian stone used for its colonnade had become blackened from exposure to airborne sulfates. WMF consolidated the central supporting column and repaired damaged treads, then inserted steel rods into the staircase to anchor the steps. Using a chemical treatment WMF cleaned the staircase’s façade, returning the stone to its natural color and removing incrustation that had amassed on its surface. Conservationists injected epoxy resins to stabilize the stonework, and applied a resin film to prevent moisture from penetrating the stonework.
